50 Years of MacNaughton: The Exchange Economic Summit
For the past year, we've spent time reflecting on the people, projects, partnerships, and communities that have shaped MacNaughton's first 50 years.
We've celebrated milestones that span retail, residential, hospitality, and community investment. We've shared stories about the leaders who built this company, the developments that helped shape Hawai‘i, and the partnerships that made growth possible.
But while anniversaries naturally invite reflection, they also create an opportunity to look ahead. Because at MacNaughton, we've never viewed our history as a destination. We've always viewed it as a foundation—one that continues to guide the company's next generation of leadership.
Leading the Next Chapter
When Ian MacNaughton assumed leadership of the company in 2015, he built upon the strong foundation established by his father and the team that helped shape MacNaughton's first four decades. Drawing on experience gained at Starwood Capital Group, Goldman Sachs & Co., and UBS AG, Ian brought a broader institutional and global perspective while remaining grounded in the company's long-standing values.
As the business has grown, so has its leadership. Ian has continued to rely on the experience of long-time leaders while expanding the executive team with professionals who bring new expertise across development, operations, finance, hospitality, and strategy.
He has also broadened the company's perspective beyond its own walls by establishing an Advisory Board that includes respected business and industry leaders such as Ken Rosen of UC Berkeley's Fisher Center for Real Estate and Urban Economics, Mark Vorsatz, Global Chairman and CEO of Andersen, and Peter Fox, Chairman of Australia's Linfox Group.
Together, these perspectives help ensure that MacNaughton continues to honor its heritage while thoughtfully preparing for the opportunities and challenges of the decades ahead. That commitment to broadening perspectives and encouraging thoughtful dialogue ultimately led to another idea—one that extended beyond MacNaughton itself.
Why We Created the Exchange Summit
Several years ago, we began asking ourselves a simple question: How can we create greater value for the people we work with beyond the projects we develop and the properties we own?
That idea became the Exchange Summit.
Created in partnership with global powerhouse Andersen, the Summit brings together economists, investors, business leaders, academics, family offices, and decision-makers to discuss the forces reshaping real estate, capital markets, demographics, technology, public policy, and the global economy.
The goal has never been to predict the future. The goal is to better understand it. Because informed decisions are built on thoughtful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to challenge assumptions.
In many ways, the Summit reflects the same principles that have guided MacNaughton for 50 years: curiosity, long-term thinking, and a belief that relationships matter.
Where We Are Headed
As we begin our next chapter, MacNaughton remains committed to the principles that have guided us from the beginning: investing thoughtfully, building strong partnerships, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve.
That commitment continues to shape our direction. We are expanding our residential portfolio in select high-growth markets across the United States while growing our hospitality platform through locally owned properties and authentic guest experiences. At the same time, we continue to invest in Hawaiʻi and deepen relationships with investors, partners, and organizations who share our long-term perspective.
We are continuing to invest in Hawai‘i, the place that shaped our company and remains at the center of our story.
And we are deepening relationships with investors, partners, and organizations who share our long-term perspective.
The Next 50 Years
To everyone who has been part of our journey—our employees, partners, investors, tenants, residents, guests, and community organizations—thank you. Your trust and support have helped shape who we are today.
As we conclude our 50th anniversary celebration, we're excited not only about where we've been, but where we're headed. The first 50 years built the foundation. The next 50 will build upon it.
Watch this year's Exchange Summit recap video below and join us as we look toward the future.